Pursuant to Code § 4.1-103(21), the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority (“VA ABC”) is responsible for conducting hearings when licensees are charged with violating provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, Code §§ 4.1-100 et seq, and VA ABC regulations.  VA ABC incurs substantial costs in the process of investigating these violations and in conducting hearings. 

Pursuant to §4.1-227(B) of the Code of Virginia, VA ABC has the authority to offset these costs by imposing a requirement that the licensee pay for the costs incurred by the Board, not exceeding $25,000, in investigating the licensee and in holding the proceeding resulting in a violation.  These fees are in addition to any suspension or civil penalty incurred.

As such, effective August 15, 2026, the following fee structure for proceedings shall apply for hearings resulting in a violation:

• Hearings before an Administrative Law Judge – $400
• Board Appeals – $500

These proceedings fees will only apply when a hearing resulting in a violation is conducted or the Board upholds the ALJ’s decision finding that a violation occurred.  In addition, investigation-related costs incurred by the Bureau of Law Enforcement may be assessed in accordance with applicable authority and internal guidelines to include, but not limited to, investigative time, evidence processing, travel, and related expenses.

Additionally, transcript fees are increasing to better align with industry standards.  Effective August 15, 2026, transcript fees are as follows:

• Standard Transcript: $4.40 per page
• Expedited Transcript (14 days): $5.10 per page

All transcript requests must be submitted in writing through the Clerk’s Office at hearing@virginiaabc.com. Tracking information for the required payment is required at the time the transcript is requested and must be received within seven (7) business days of request.  When the licensee is the appellant, VA ABC will exercise its discretion in determining whether the Authority will provide a court reporter present for appeals to a Circuit Court and beyond; otherwise it shall be the appellant’s responsibility to provide a court reporter.